Important decisions on COVID-19 precautions in ARCHELON’s projects - July 2020
As you probably know, the projects have been running for almost a month now. The core teams have been busy monitoring and protecting nests. They have also practiced social distancing and set up new routines in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the camp sites. It is not easy, but it is worth it, because of the turtles and the people that care for them.
Now that Greece has opened up for people from many countries, we want to make sure that the teams will continue to remain safe from COVID-19 until the end of the projects. That is why we have come to take the following decision:
Everyone joining ARCHELON’s camps (whether from abroad or from Greece) will need to present a negative test performed within 72 hours prior to their arrival. The results of the test must be forwarded by e-mail to the responsible Project Officer beforehand. No one else can and will be admitted to the projects.
Furthermore, volunteers arriving in the camps will be asked to self -isolate for 7 days, using designated spaces in an extra careful way. Other team members will be taking care of their shopping, food needs, etc.
We understand that people from abroad may also be tested for the virus by the Greek authorities, but this is independent of our decision stated above.
The continuous changes in travel restrictions, the cancellation of many flights and the ever present possibility of new changes and local lockdowns within Greece, have been huge impediments in finalizing the participation of several volunteers in our projects.
We wish to thank all confirmed volunteers and pending applicants of all nationalities for your patience and persistence in joining ARCHELON during this strange summer. We know that all confirmed volunteers had to re-schedule at least once, and many of you two or three times. From now onwards rescheduling a confirmed participation will be possible only for cases that we ask you to, in order to avoid overcrowding in the camps. People due to come up to and including the 10th of July will receive specific guidance as a priority. Pending applications will be dealt with after the 15th of July.
Remember: one person could be enough to make the project close down and this is why having tested negative and keeping self-isolation of 7 days are crucial for the safe operation of the project.
We ask for your understanding for all changes, delays and cancelations caused already or impending. Thank you again and please stay safe.
Our volunteers from abroad join us right on time for the hatching season
ARCHELON’s Monitoring Supervisor talks about his role
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